"Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing, there is a field. I will
meet you there."
--Rumi

Saturday, April 14, 2012

for those of you who knew Herm...

About 2 hours ago my doorbell rang and this sweet lady, Christine, asked me if I knew Hermilla Knutson. She had my name written down on an envelope with an incorrect phone number for me. She said that Herm had told her about me when she last spoke to her on the phone just before she passed. Since we both lived in Austin, Herm wanted Christine to visit with me. Since she couldn't reach me by phone, she just got in her car and drove to my house. We sat and talked for over an hour. She met Herm in Washington D.C. when they were both working for the government (they were in their 20s) and since they both were originally from Monterey, Mexico, they became fast friends. She said that Herm was overwhelmed with all the wonderful mail and stitchings she received when she was ill and spoke so much about all of us in this friendship circle. Christine was surprised to hear about the friendships made strictly through Jude's classes and e-mails. She does have some pictures that she will try to find and I will share them with you. We hope to meet again sometime soon. She is still in contact with Sam (Herm's husband) and I even learned the story about how they met. Christine says that Sam and Herm were wonderful together and his love for her is what extended her life. So many wonderful stories. It was a surprise visit and a most pleasant afternoon listening to all she had to tell. This is a picture of sweet Christine who is still working at the age of 79 at the University of Texas in Austin.

22 comments:

What a lovely story, Deanna. Wish I had known Herm in person. I sent her a scarf that I made in Glennis shibori class. That's something I wouldn't ordinarily do, but it seemed so right. Yes, this sharing place does tie us all together in a way many can't imagine or understand.

well... i don't know why my post didn't post. to make a long story short... thank you deanna for sharing this with us. i miss her so much. i have never found another stitching partner. we had so much fun swapping stories and laughing and crying sometimes too. i am in contact with sam too...its about time for me to call again. they were such a great couple. i was really blessed to find herm...of course through jude.... give christine a hug for me if you see her again. tell her i am sorry she lost such a great friend. i only knew hermila for such a short time but it seemed like we had been lifelong friends.

Many, many thanks for posting this, Deanna...good memories here...what a lovely thing for Christine to do. Although I didn't have much contact, I remember Herm often leaving sweet comments for folks during jude's workshops - you could tell she was kind. And that goes on...

a circle of friends; I did not know Hermilla, however, I am moved by your story here and how lovely of Christine to come and visit you in person;thank you for sharing this Deanna;it feels good to be connected to others and thanks to the web, there are now more ways than ever

Deanna~ Thank you so much for posting this message and photo too. It brought tears to my eyes. Her passing sure left a ripple, eh? The circle here may warble or enlarge, but always stays strong. Pass on my thoughts and well wishes to Sam and Christine the next time you speak with them.

I did meet Herm - and she was fantastic! Just as amazing in person as she sounded. Sally and I visited her several times, along with Nance who was able to go over regularly. Herm was dynamic, full of life and had a love for art that sparked everyone's interest. The thing that amazed me was how much we had in common - how many artists we both loved, and how many of the same teachers we had both had. It was fun to see the projects she had created and to share mine with her. Thanks for sharing this news of her friend - a kindred spirit.

deanna, tis I, cristina, taking a break from writing... your Herm story has me awestruck and warmed with memories of the connections created during my stitching days with all of you through jude's place! Bless Christine's heart! Oh, the force of friendship...thank you for sharing this amazing encounter, deanna.... "thank you, Herm" . . . p.s. your lace work is dazzling!